Move Over Charleston! Surprising South Carolina City Breaks All-Time Tourism Records

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For a solid decade, Charleston has continuously been a thriving Southern hotspot with its European aesthetics, out-of-this-world cuisine, and random, yet legendary, Bill Murray sightings.

Steeped in history, surrounded by lush nature, and with a burgeoning food scene in its own right, South Carolina's capital city broke all-time tourism records in 2024.

Far beyond just a college football town, this under-hyped getaway boasts pristine lakes, down-home charm, affordability across the board, and far less crowds than Charleston — especially come summer when it's time to hit the beach.

A record 1.3 million travelers had a blast in Columbia last year, and you will too!

‘No Cap' In This Capital

While Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and numerous islands have long been South Carolina's main appeal to travelers, the capital city of Columbia is getting its due.

In fact, Columbia's Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will be undergoing a makeover, adding new amenities and more flights to the already buzzing city.

While one could still argue Columbia is a hidden gem in the shadows of aforementioned Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the captivating history, sensational restaurants, lively college bars, and astounding nature outside intertwined in and out of the city limits are largely what have drawn in a record number of visitors.

Whether it be the State House marvel, James Beard-recognized eats, Saturday tailgates, old-timey inns, or the delights of Lake Murray, Columbia offers a surprisingly diverse experience — it's no one-trick pony.

Lake Murray: Cool Down & Unwind In Columbia's Summer Hotspot

Just west of Columbia lies Lake Murray, a sprawling century-old man-made reservoir that actually has water (don't tell LA!).

The 50,000-acre lake is a huge draw in the summertime for fishermen, boaters, and anyone looking to enjoy the sunny season. You can also take a dip in the clear waters, venture out on a kayak, or sit beachside, taking in the views with a cold drink in hand.

One surprising element to Lake Murray is what's known as the Purple Martin Phenomenon — at least 1 million birds roost on Bomb Island, creating a spectacle that truly has to be seen to be believed.

The flock is so huge that local weather radars have malfunctioned due to the sheer size of Martins that are usually visible late June to early August.

An out-of-state visitor from last summer loved her stay, saying, ‘We stayed a week in a lake house in July and loved our stay. The water appeared to be pretty clean and well-kept everywhere. There were several beachy sandy areas to pull up to and rest or cool off.'

Speaking of stays, there really is a wide range of dreamy lakeside rentals to choose from. You'll find hotels in the city, but mostly cabin rentals around Lake Murray that you can book on platforms like Airbnb, Booking, or HomeToGo.

Columbia's Urban Delights

While the city rallies around their beloved Gamecocks late summer to winter, there's far more to do and see than root for the big game on Saturdays.

While Charleston is undeniably one of America's top foodie cities, Columbia boasts much of the same southern home cookin' at such places as D & D Country Cooking as well as a nice mix of highly-anticipated new restaurants like The Bistreaux on Assembly, bringing the New Orleans flavors we all love to Columbia.

You'll also find an array of intriguing museums like top-rated Columbia Museum of Art (reopening May 24), South Carolina State Museum showcasing the rise of South Carolina's prominence, and Cayce Historical Museum, a lesser-known site with a fascinating Native American exhibit and only $3 to enter.

Of course, downtown itself is a delight to explore, especially Main Street. Here, you'll find vintage shops and sightly landmarks like the Nickelodeon Theatre, or venture to The Vista, where you'll find upscale hotels and restaurants, art galleries, and easy access to Congaree River for kayaking or enjoying a craft beer on a breezy patio at Columbia Craft Brewing Company.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.